Frunner: Meet Darlene Cardillo

About Darlene: 57 years ago, work as an Instructional Technologist for Albany Law School, live in Delmar, NY

What piece of running gear can you not live without and why?
I think good running shoes are the most important. I replace them frequently. I use a iPod nano with the Nike+ chip to calculate distance and pace but I would love to get a Garmin. I am also a nut about running outfits – everything has to match!

What is your favorite distance to race and why?
Right now, 5k is my favorite because I have run almost 40 in 3 years. There are so many scheduled where I live and they’re easy to squeeze in and train for.

What was your favorite race that you have run and why?
My favorite race is the Freihofer’s Run for Women. I’ve run it 3 times. It’s all women – almost 4,000. There are the elite Olympic runners and then there are women who are running their first 5k. This past June, I practiced with a group of mothers who were running their first race. I was even more excited for them than myself.

What are your favorite places to run?
The Crossings in Colonie is a great place to run but in the summer, my husband & I spend the weekend on our boat on Lake George and my favorite place to run is Bolton Landing especially around the Sagamore grounds.

How do you reply to those “anti-runners” who enjoy nothing more than harassing runners about how their joints will be shot at age 40?
I am a perfect example. I started playing competitive tennis after age 40. I started running at age 55. Since I’ve been running, my knees and joints feel stronger and I feel younger!!!!!!!!! I don’t plan to stop ever!

What are the short and long term goals you have set for your running?
My short term goal is to run several times a week – at least 3 miles each time. I want to increase my distance and try a 10k. I would LOVE to a do a half marathon. But if it doesn’t happen, I’m ok. I’ll just continue entering 5k races and work on getting faster!!!Would you rather run in the heat on a sunny day or in the cold in the pouring down rain, and why?
I am a fair weather runner. I’ve never run in the rain. I hate the COLD!!! I tried a winter race once and did not enjoy it at all. When it gets cold, I go to the gym and run on the treadmill. I love the sunshine and don’t mind sweating at all.

Why do you run?
I am definitely competitive! In every race I enter, I want to improve my time and win my age group. In fact, I am too tough on myself. I am the same way in life.

Why did you decide to start running?In April 2008, one of my tennis friends (who runs) suggested that another tennis player and I run. We both were reluctant because we had never run before and didn’t think we ever could. So the three of us joined a program called “No Boundaries” sponsored by the local Fleet Feet store. We had weekly runs and a mentor. The first time I actually ran a mile without stopping I was hooked and signed up for a 5K. I’ve been competing in 5ks ever since. My two tennis friends have not been as enthusiastic about running but I have met many other women at races. I am so glad that my friend suggested running.

Who inspires you most to keep going?Actually blogging is a big inspiration. I spend a lot time reading running bloggers’ stories. There are so inspiring. Signing up for races also inspires me. Every time I cross the finish line, I want to enter another race. It’s the best feeling…even after a bad race.

How do you juggle running and life?
This is a constant struggle for me. I always lament that life gets in the way of my running. I have a full-time job and a husband. On the weekend, we go boating. I play tennis a lot and compete on a team. This summer, my team has been so successful that we were competing until last weekend. Blogging helps me juggle my schedule. I plan my week. I write up my running goals. I track my mileage. Running is important so I make sure I fit it in. Often, I don’t run as much I would like but sometimes I get to run more than I expected.